Attack on Port Royal

.

"Are sure you're alright, Miss Bennett?" Norrington asked again, a concerned look on his face.

"Yes, Commodore Norrington," said Isabelle with a forced smile, "I'm sure," which was the truth. She definitely had calmed down after Norrington had brought her back to Fort Charles, both of them were now in a private room with two guards at the door. Now she was just angry.

Isabelle would have scowled if she was alone. How dare Sparrow use her as a human shield! It made her even more furious just thinking about it, remember the chains that were held at her neck. She swore, next time she would see that man, she was going to punch him in the face. And she didn't care if it wasn't "lady-like".

"Don't worry," said Norrington from his spot at her side, as if he was reading her mind. "I give you my word that we're going to catch that pirate and have him hanging from the gallows in no time."

"Thank you, Commodore, that certainly makes me feel better." Then Isabelle sighed heavily. "My father is certainly not going to be happy when he finds out, though. We weren't able to announce our engagement, and I was held hostage by a pirate."

"I'm sure he won't be angry with you," Norrington said. "After all, neither one of those things were your fault."

Even though the same could be said about his own accident, when he was rescued by a pirate from drowning when he was only a child. "My father won't see it that way," Isabelle said instead with a shake of her head, her fingers gently touching her sore neck, which she hoped wouldn't bruise badly. "I can't believe I let that pirate catch me like that." She scoffed at herself. "It was such an idiotic move, getting so close to him. And it was because of me that he got away."

"You couldn't know that he was going to do that -"

"But I should have," Isabelle said, forcing herself not to snap it out. "I should have." She should have never tried to save Sparrow. It was all her fault. "I truly am sorry, Commodore."

The Commodore looked more than a little awkward as he patted her forearm. "You couldn't have known," he repeated. "Now stop blaming yourself. And if anything, I will talk to your father myself and just explain what happened -"

"No!" Isabelle bit her lip at her own outburst. "Please, don't. If fathers finds out that because of me, a pirate escaped, or that I panicked in the face of danger... I know its a lot to ask, sir, but please, if you talk to my father, don't tell him the truth. Please?"

Nodding in understanding, Norrington patted her arm again. "Alright. But it still doesn't mean you should blame yourself. You acted as most civilians would in that situation - scared. There's no shame in that, I hope you remember that. And I'm sure the next time anything like this happens, you'll be more then ready."

Laughing lightly, Isabelle smiled gently at the Commodore. "When did you become so comforting, sir? I didn't think they taught that in the Royal Navy."

"It's something one must eventually learn on there own," Norrington said with a chuckle. "...You know, the party is still going on," he said after a moment. "I'm sure we could still announce our engagement - then we wouldn't have to tell your father about your encounter with Mr. Sparrow."

For a moment, Isabelle wished she tell him no - she didn't want to announce their engagement. Not at all. But finally, she nodded. "Alright."

Rising, Norrington held his arm out to her, and with a small smile, Isabelle took it as she also stood.

It didn't take them long to get back to the party, which was still going on even without its guest of honor. As they got closer, both Isabelle and Norrington were surprised to see her father talking lowly with Governor Swann, and by the frown on the latter's face, he wasn't the least bit happy.

"... to my daughter. You have no right -"

"I'm sorry, Governor Swann, but I do," Matthew said firmly. "And you may and try to fight it, but its best you don't, because either way, it will happen. Remember, I have many friends in high places that will help me make this happen." It was at that moment that Matthew saw them, and he smiled coldly. "Ah, and speaking of the happy couple."

"Admiral Bennett," Norrington said with a nod. "Governor Swann. I'm sorry that I had to leave the party, but there was a situation that I had to take care off."

"Yes, I was told by Governor Swann." Matthew looked to his daughter. "I understand you became the hostage of a pirate, Isabelle."

Hiding her flinch that was caused by her father's cold stare, Isabelle nodded once in answer. "Yes. I'm sorry, Father - "

"Miss Bennett just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time," Norrington interrupted, causing Isabelle to look at him with wide eyes. "And if the pirate hadn't captured her, it would have been Miss Swann. Frankly, sir, I feel Miss Bennett handled the rather situation well for a civilian. You should be proud of her," he said rather firmly.

Staring at them for a long moment, Matthew suddenly chuckled. "Protecting my daughter already, Norrington? That's what I like to see. Now come along, and I'll announce your engagement to your fellow officers."

Stunned by her father's reaction, Isabelle let herself be led by Norrington as they followed her father back into the party. Governor Swann didn't go with them, and he seemed to be frowning.

"Thank you for that," Isabelle whispered to Norrington, squeezing his arm gently. "You don't know how much that meant to me."

"Not a problem, Miss Bennett," said Norrington in return, sounding a little bashful.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" said Matthew in his booming voice, the guest soon quieting down, while some whispered about him, probably spreading his name to everyone that knew it or did not know it. "While I am sure you are all here to congratulate Commodore Norrington on his recent promotion, I would also like you to congratulate him on another matter." He smiled, which looked real to everyone. But to Isabelle, it looked cold as ice. "I am very pleased to announce his engagement to my daughter, Isabelle Bennett!"

Isabelle blushed faintly as applause filled the air, and men and women swarmed on them, all of them offering their congratulations. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. She was surprise to see though a few women giving her false smiles and hateful glares. It seemed Norrington was more popular with the ladies than she first thought.

"Commodore!" A guard saluted Norrington as he approached him. "We captured Sparrow, and he is been sent to a cell as we speak," he informed him. "He's to be sent to trial in the morning."

"Excellent," said Norrington. He smiled down at Isabelle. "I told you we would get him."

As she smiled back, Isabelle could finally see herself as the future wife of Commodore Norrington. He would be good to her, never treat her badly, and even though they might never love each other, she would believe she would be happy at his side.

A few hours went by before Isabelle was finally told that it was time to go home. She almost sighed in relief. She didn't care for parties, and so much attention on her didn't make it any better, so she was happy to leave.

"May I walk you to your carriage, Miss Bennett?" asked Norrington, holding out his arm to her again.

"Thank you, sir," said Isabelle as she took his arm. "You've been a great help to me today," she said as they walked to the front gates, where the carriage was suppose to be waiting for her. "Saving me from both a pirate and my father. They should promote you again soon," she said honestly.

"That's very kind of you to say," said Norrington with a gracious smile. "And I must thank you for helping Miss Swann earlier. I'm sure she is also thankful." He stopping speaking for a moment. "Tell me, Miss Bennett, something about yourself. As you said earlier, we should get to know each other, yes?"

"Well... if someone ask, I like to read," Isabelle said slowly. "And sew. But truly?" She glanced around, making sure there was no one to hear. "I am very capable with a sword."

"You certainly don't hear that about a young lady often," Norrington chuckled. "Your father taught you, I assume?"

"Some," said Isabelle with a nod. "But as he got more busy, he hired me a teacher. He says I'm quite good."

"I think that someday, I would like to see how well you do with a sword," said Norrington. "Will you show me?"

Nodding, Isabelle smiled. "Someday. And what about you, Commodore? What can you tell me about yourself?"

"Mm. Well, I rather enjoy sailing," said Norrington with a faint smile. "I love the feeling of being out on the water. Its one of the reasons I joined the Royal Navy, besides the fact that my Father insisted. But it;s a dream of mine that someday, I could have my own ship, and I would simply sail to see how far I could go."

"It's a wonderful idea," Isabelle agreed. "I hope that someday, you can accomplish that, one way or another."

"Thank you, I appreciate that." They had reached the carriage, and her father was waiting side, watching them carefully out of the corner of his eye. Norrington held her hand as she stepped into the carriage, and closed the door once she was sure that her dress wouldn't get caught. "Have a good night, Miss Bennett," he said, nodding and lifting his hat to her.

"Good night, Commodore Norrington," said Isabelle with her own nod.

The carriage had only been moving for a few moments before Matthew nodded knowingly. "Yes, I believe this marriage will turn out fine."

And Isabelle's stomach twisted at those words, and she forced herself to look out the window. The rest of the ride home, she made sure not to meet her father's eye.

~o0o~

It was the feeling that woke Isabelle later that night, just like the night before. She silently wondered if there was another pirate in the house.

Groaning, Isabelle turned onto her stomach before hitting her pillow. Why did she continue to wake up in the middle of the night? It was starting to get on her bloody nerves.

After a moment of debating if she should go back to sleep on or not, Isabelle slipped out of bed, shoving her feet into her slippers and shrugging on her dressing robe. Instead of hoping she could fall back asleep, she instead decided to go visit her mother's room. She had yet to put away the almost stolen jewelry, and she didn't want it laying out and about. Especially when Rose wanted it.

Stepping into her mother's room, Isabelle stared at the jewelery. Her mother had many beautiful pieces, some inherited by her parents, and some given to her by Matthew. Lifting up a gold bracelet, she placed it gently back in the jewelry box that Sparrow had left on the bed, and repeated that process with each item Sparrow had attempted to steal, until all she had left was the black pearl necklace.

Picking it up, Isabelle rolled the pearl between her fingers. Why? Why had her mother lied to her about her loving marriage with her father? Was it to keep a young mind happy, thinking that someday she do the same? Or was there something else to it? Something her mother hadn't told her yet.

Almost not wanting to, Isabelle was about to place the necklace in the box when something white caught her eye, peeking out from the bottom of the box among the rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Frowning as she set the pearl necklace aside, she tugged at the strange white piece carefully before feeling out the edges of the box, shifting jewelry around with tiny clinks.

"A false bottom?" Isabelle said in confusion. Why would her mother's jewelry box have a false bottom? Taking the jewelry out fast as she could, it took a few minutes before she finally lifted up the bottom. Peering into it, Isabelle blinked in surprise.

Letters. The surprisingly deep bottom was filled with letters, the top addressed... to her? Picking that one up with shaky hands, Isabelle was just about to open when a loud 'boom' alerted her to sudden cannon fire.

Eyes widening in horror, Isabelle dropped the letter as she raced to the window, immediately glancing to the harbor. There it was, a pirate ship, attacking Port Royal. It was black as a raven's feather, making it almost impossible to see with all the mist that filled the waters. Just above the sails, she could see the skull and cross bone flag flapping wildly even though there didn't seem to be any wind. The sight made her shiver.

"Bell!" Johnathan raced into the room, struggling to put on his trousers at the same time. "Did you hear that? That was cannon fire! Are pirates attacking?"

"Johnathan, go down to the basement, now," Isabelle insisted, but he was already looking out the window.

"Whoa! Bell, that's the Black Pearl! Its suppose ta be cursed!" Johnathan was strangely excited, and it scared her a bit. "Awesome! I wish that I could go see it!"

"Johnathan!" Isabelle finally snapped, stopping her half brother mid-rant. She knelt down in front of him. "This is not the time, Johnathan. Now listen to me. I want you to go to Mother, go down to the basement, and stay there. Understand?"

Slowly, Johnathan nodded, and ran off, hopefully to do what he was told.

"Miss Bennett!" called out Mary just Isabelle came into the hall. "Oh, Miss, come on, we have to get down to the basement-"

"You go ahead, Mary," Isabelle said as she brushed past her. "I've got to inform my father what's going on -"

"Oh, but, Miss! He's not home!" Mary cried, and Isabelle froze. "He left hours ago, right after dinner! He's not to be back for a few days!"

"Damn it," Isabelle cursed under her breathe. That meant there was no one to protect the house. "Mary, just go join the others! I'll be there shortly."

Whimpering out her 'yes', Mary raced down the stairs, and Isabelle went to her room to grab her sword. As she picked it up out of its case and pulled it out of its sheath, she sent a short prayer to God that her family didn't die tonight. She then went back to her mother's room, shoving the letter back inside the box with all its jewelry before quickly hiding her mother's box of deep in her wardrobe. She could stand it if another pirate tried to steal her mother's jewels.

Marching down to her father's office, Isabelle quickly glanced around, trying to remember where her father kept a pair of pistols, one that were always load in case of emergencies like this. It took her a moment before she shoved aside a shelf full of books, revealing a large, flat wooden box. Grabbing it, Isabelle then proceeded to run down to basement. It was the safest place in house, mostly because if anyone was hiding in the back, behind the many different shelves, they would be alerted if anyone entered. Plus, it was almost like a maze to those who didn't know it.

All the servants, her stepmother, and half brother were hiding behind the shelves, exactly where they should have been, talking in low tones as they wondered what would happen to them. "Where's Matthew?" Rose was crying, looking rather pathetic as she glanced around with wide eyes. "He should be here to protect me!"

"He's not here, Rose," Isabelle said firmly, which only caused her stepmother to cry more. "Listen, everyone, as I'm sure you know, pirates are attacking Port Royal. I don't know if they'll come here or not, but," she held up her box, "you'll be somewhat protected if they do. Who here thinks they have the best aim?"

After a long moment, a young man that Isabelle recognized as the stable keeper, Andrew, raised his hand as he stepped forward. "Reckon that I am, ma'am."

Nodding, Isabelle handed him the box. "Inside are two pistols, loaded, with some extra powder and bullets inside. Use them to keep everyone safe. Shoot anyone that looks like pirate."

"And what are you going to do, ma'am?" asked Andrew, his eyes going to her sword.

Lifting her sword, which gleamed in the dim lantern light, Isabelle smiled grimly even as some of the female servants gasped. "Make sure the pirates don't come anywhere near my home."

"Bell?" Johnathan was tugging at her nightgown. "You're gonna go fight ta pirates?"

"... Yeah, Johnny," Isabelle said with a nod. "I've got to make sure they don't come near the house, alright? And you need to help Andrew protect it."

"Like Father would if he was here?" Johnathan asked.

"... Yes, like Father." Isabelle placed a kiss on his blonde head. "Be safe," she whispered into his hair.

"You too, Bell," said Johnathan with a solemn nod as she straightened up. "Cause you gotta come back, okay?"

Smiling, Isabelle gripped her sword tight. "Don't worry, I'll come back. I promise." As she turned, ready to face down any pirates that got in her way, she just hope it was a promise she could keep.

As the area where she lived was farthest from the port, it wasn't overwhelmed with pirates yet. Taking a deep breath, Isabelle marched down the stone road, hoping to face the pirates long before they got near her home. Thankfully, she didn't see any until she got to the market part of town.

It was overrun with pirates, people screaming as they ran, some even being hunted down. The pirates were attacking civilians left and right, breaking into their homes and stores, and stealing anything that they wanted. It was sickening - men, women, and even a few children were lying in the street, bleeding out or already dead while pirates or other scared civilians ran past them, never even giving them a second glance.

A pirate seemed to notice her, grinning wickedly. "Well 'ello, pretty lady," he said with a slur, somehow not seeing the sword gleaming at her side. "Come ta join the fun?"

Instead of answering with words, Isabelle thrust her sword forward, watching as it slid through the pirate chest and straight into his black heart, only to come out the other side. The pirate looked a little shocked, even taking a moment to look down at the sword before he crumpled to the ground once she pulled her sword out, the blood splattering the bottom of her nightgown.

The silver metal of her sword was glistening dark red now, and suddenly, Isabelle felt a sick. She had just killed a man.

Turning away from the body, Isabelle bent over, clutched her stomach, and heaved, the little bit of dinner that was left hitting the ground. She ran from the body before she could be sick again, hiding in a nearby alley.

Her back hitting the wall, Isabelle started to cry softly, throwing her hand over her mouth so that the sobs escaped her couldn't be heard. That was more horrible then she imagined. It was what her teacher told her, not to think it wasn't easy like most people thought, but she hadn't believed her till now. She could still see, hear, feel everything, from the blood spattering to the sword going into the pirate.

After a moment of making sure that nothing more would come out, Isabelle straightened, wiping her mouth with the back of her shaking hand. She couldn't get sick every time she killed a pirate, she had to keep going. This was the reason she had learned how to sword fight. So when the time came, she would be able to protect those around her. And this was the time.

So, collecting herself, Isabelle left the alley and made her way back to the mob of pirates, her dripping sword dragging across the ground for a moment before she lifted it up again, holding out in front of her like he was trained.

"'ello there," sneered another pirate. He glanced down at her sword. "And what do yeh think yer gonna do with that?"

"Kill a pirate," Isabelle snapped out before bringing down her sword a slashing motion, and blood flew into the air.

~o0o~

"Damn my luck."

Leaning against the bars, Jack tilted his head back, letting it hit the metal again and again. This was slowly becoming one of the worse days of his life. No money. No ship. He was going to face the gallows. And now he had just learned that the Black Pearl was in port, so close. Yet he couldn't even get near her.

In fact, the only good thing he would ever remember about Port Royal would be Miss Isabelle Bennett. Jack smiled at that memory. Dark hair, dark eyes, and her skin... pale as pearls. Without a doubt, she was lovely. And from what he could see, quite the swords-woman. In fact, if he hadn't managed to surprise her, he was sure that she would have beaten him

Too bad she seemed to be promised to that stuck up Commodore. She deserved better then that.

After a few moments, Jack stood straight. Enough of that, this was not the time to think about ladies, no matter how lovely they might be. He had to figure out a way to get out of this prison so he could avoid the hangman's noose. He wasn't ready to die just yet.

As he looked to the next cell, he groaned. Why couldn't the cannonball have moved just a little to the side?

As moonlight poured through the large hole in the wall, Jack spotted a large bone in the next cell. He remembered that the now empty cells occupants had been trying to tempt the dog that had they keys with it. After a moment, he shrugged. "Well, its worth a shot," he grumbled as he grabbed the bone.

Kneeling down and sticking his arm out of his cell, Jack whistled as loud as he could. "Come here, doggy," he called out. Off to the side, he saw the dog from before peek out from under a nearby bench. He grinned. "It's just you and me now. It's you and ol' Jack." As he shifted, he almost groaned - he was getting old.

Slowly, the dog started to come forward, inching towards him with the keys in his mouth.

"Come on," Jack said, shaking the bone. "Come on, good boy. That's a good boy!" he said cheerfully the entire time. "Bit closer!" he said when the dog was passing the next cell. "Bit closer! That's it, that's it, doggy!" Almost there, he told himself. The dog was only a foot away. "Come on you filthy, slimy, mangy cur."

Loud clanging caused the dog to jump and run off, the keys jingling in his mouth. "No, no, no, no, no, I didn't mean it. I didn't..." Jack groaned as he dropped his hands, which were still through the bars. He cursed in his head. This was really not his day.

A shot rang through the air, causing Jack to look towards the stairs, and only a few moments later the body of a guard tumbled down the stairs, hitting the wall with a thud. An instant later, two men stomped down the stairs, one looking around with confusion.

"This ain't the armory!"

"Oh, shit," Jack mumbled under his breath as he stood. Maybe hearing him, the other man looked to him, a grin spreading across his face. It was Koehler. A member of his old crew, and now a member of Barbossa's crew.

"Well, well, well," said Koehler as he sheathed his sword. "Look what we have here, Twigg. Captain Jack Sparrow." He spat on the ground, and Jack backed up a bit.

"Last time I saw you," said Twigg with a tilt of his head, "you were all alone - on a godforsaken island," Koehler chuckled at that, "shrinking into the distance." He gave a laugh. "His fortunes aren't improved much."

"Worry about your own fortunes, gentlemen," Jack said with a smirk. "The deepest circle of Hell is reserved for betrayers and mutineers."

Close to snarling, Koehler suddenly reached through the bars, grabbing Jack by the throat and forcing him back into the moonlight. Then the flesh melted away, the fingers turned bony, and as the former pirate captain looked down, his eyes went eyes when he realized what he was seeing. "So there is a curse," he said after a moment. "That's interesting."

"You know nothing of hell," growled Koehler. The grip on Jack's got tighter for another moment before he yanked his arm back, and he stormed off, Twigg right behind him.

"..." Lifting the bone that was still in his hand, Jack gave it a look. "That's very interesting," he said to it. "I believe my luck just got a bit better." For the first time in his life, Jack was glad that he had not stolen the gold of Cortés.

"Now, to find a way out of this cell," Jack grumbled.

~o0o~

Glancing around, Johnathan nodded to himself. Everyone was ignoring him, some in fear that the pirates were coming, others trying to comfort his mother, and some just not noticing him. That was good.

He had a plan. Pirates were something that Johnathan had been interested in since his father told him about his adventures in the navy, fighting off pirates. While his sister, Bell as he called her, believed what their father told them, Johnathan on the other hand was fascinated by pirates, even though he was told about them in a bad light. They did whatever they wanted, even though people would hunt them down for it. They had a freedom that he wanted.

Even at ten years old, Johnathan knew he would never have complete freedom. His father would expect him to marry some girl - he made a face at that - and have his own children. But he wanted to have some adventure before he had to do all that. And this was his chance to do that.

Moving as slowly as possible so he wouldn't be noticed by anyone, Johnathan crept out of the hiding area, fearful of his own footsteps being too loud as he slipped passed the many shelves. Being familiar with the basement, since he spent a lot of time down here when no one was there to play with him, he knew all its nooks and crannies. So he knew exactly where a secret exit to the outside was.

Reaching his destination, Johnathan pushed aside a crate, wincing as it made a little noise, before grinning as he looked at his way out. A trapdoor. He'd found it months ago, it was probably an escape made for just this sort of situation. It led to the stables, the exit hidden by a layer of hay. The perfect way to get out without anyone noticing him.

Hesitating for a moment, Johnathan looked back. "Goodbye, mum," he whispered. "I'll come back - promise." Then he opened the trapdoor and slipped down without a sound.

It didn't take long for the young boy to reach the other end of the tunnel. Pushing up the trapdoor, he was glanced around, his ears straining to hear anything. Nothing. Grinning from ear to ear, Johnathan scrambled out of the trapdoor. He was glad that he had the sense to grab his shoes before running down to the basement. The dirt and hay would have stuck to his feet, and it wouldn't be good if he had to stop just to pull a stone out.

Jogging pass his house and out into the street, Johnathan made sure that there was no one around before making his way down the stone road, his goal being the port. He bet he could sneak into one the rowboats the pirates had used to get to shore, and when they pulled up the boat, he could slip off it later and maybe talk to the captain. He could be a cabin boy! And maybe someday, he could be a pirate. The thought excited him more, and he picked up speed.

The screams alerted him to the fact that the market place was filled with pirates. Frowning, Johnathan looked around, trying to find another way to the port. But it didn't seem like there was one. Gulping, Johnathan looked towards the market. Was he willing to go through that?

After a moment, hands shaking, Johnathan made his way down to the market, his footsteps echoing in the empty street.

Even though he had been expecting it, Johnathan was still shaking as he approached the market. People were running blindly, sometimes right into pirates. Said pirates laughed as they attacked the civilians, and Johnathan swallowed hard as a woman ran by him, screaming. He was starting to think this wasn't a good idea.

Biting his lip for a momentarily, Johnathan shook his blond head. No, he wasn't going to go back. If anything, he would be brave like his father and see this to the end. Pushing away the moment of doubt he had, the young boy took a deep breathe before racing forward.

It was something he knew he'd never forgot. Racing through the bloodstained road, avoiding all sorts of bodies, ones that had fallen and others that were still running. More than once, Johnathan stumbled, and almost fell another time, but he kept going, his breath coming out in harsh pants. He'd never run this much before. It hurt a little.

Ducking into an alley a few minutes later, Johnathan leaned against a wall, panting still. As he caught his breathe, the blond boy glanced around, and grinned a moment later. He was close to port. He could see the mist-covered Black Pearl, and he could also see a number of boats along the shore. Now he just need to sneak into one. He just hoped no one was guarding them.

Catching his breath, Johnathan took a moment to look around before he raced down the street again and made his way to the shore, his shoes sinking into the sand and making it harder for him to move quickly.

Hiding behind a a stack of barrels, Johnathan peered around it. He resisted the urge to yell in excitement, there was no one left to guard the boats. That meant he was almost there.

Shouts made the young boy whirl around. He could see torches - that meant the pirates were coming back. Making a split second decision, Johnathan raced towards the boat, the water splashing around his feet as he reached the nearest boat. With his heart pounding, he pulled himself up, holding back a yell as he fell into the small end of the boat with a thud, his shoulder throbbing instantly. But he couldn't worry about that.

Looking around, Johnathan grabbed a nearby tarp and pulled it over himself. Just in time it seemed, because after what seemed like seconds pirates were storming around him, rocking the boat he was in. They were shouting things, but he tried to block them out even while he tried not to breathe.

"In you go, my lady," sneered a pirate. That made Johnathan frown. Lady? Pirates didn't have females on their ship. It was considered bad luck. Then it hit him. They were probably taking a woman as a hostage.

Suddenly, the boat was pushed off, and Johnathan tried not move as the pirates returned to their ship - the Black Pearl.

They must have been half way out when a sudden jolt hit the boat, Johnathan froze when he felt something land on him. "Oi, watch where ya going!" yelled someone. "You trying ta tip us over?"

"What the -" The tarp was yanked off him, and Johnathan was greeted with the sight of two pirates and a young woman. He gulped.

"The hell? What are you doing in 'ere, brat!" asked a pirate, who was chubby and balding, before grabbing him by the collar. Johnathan yelped, and had to stop himself from struggling, less he tipped the boat over.

"Can't be more than ten, can he?" said the next pirate, who was tall and skinny. He scared Johnathan a little, one of his eyes looked fake.

"Toss 'im over board," said a pirate in the front. "We don't need 'im -"

"P-Parely!" forced out Johnathan. "Parely! I want to speak with your captain!"

Growling, the pirate holding him shook him once. "Damn whoever came up with parley. We gotta take 'im now, less we break the pirate code." He dropped Johnathan, who hit the bottom of the boat with a thud and another yelp. "You just sit there and be quiet, got it?"

Johnathan nodded furiously. He wasn't going to ruin his chances. Not when he was so close.